ACC supports a safe, accessible, and inclusive environment for students and employees by adhering to the following federal laws prohibiting discrimination and harassment.
Title IX defines and ensures sex and gender equality in all educational institutions that receive federal financial assistance, including institutions of higher education like ACC. The law requires colleges to respond promptly and effectively to address any report of sexual harassment or sexual misconduct and actively take steps to prevent it. It also prohibits pregnancy discrimination or discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation.
Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits discrimination against students on the basis of race, color, or national origin. Discrimination and harassment can come from other students, instructors, staff, administrators or other college officials. Colleges are required to create a safe environment, provide resources to those affected and take steps to repair disruptions in a student’s education.
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, protects employees against discrimination any harassment in the workplace based on a protected class.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability, in state and governmental entities.
Prohibited Conduct
Discrimination: Disparate treatment of a person or group because of their protected status.
Harassment: Conduct that creates an intimidating, offensive, or hostile working or learning environment.
Retaliation: Adverse action taken against a person for filing a complaint or participating in an investigation.
College Policies
The following ACC Administrative Rules (AR), guidelines (G/P), and resources guide the Equal Opportunity Compliance Office in addressing discrimination and harassment matters.
Students and employees facing discrimination and harassment based on sex or gender should consult the following:
- ACC’s Prohibition of Sexual Misconduct (AR)
- Title IX Grievance Procedures (G/P)
- Sexual Misconduct Investigation Procedures (G/P)
- ACC Title IX website
Students facing discrimination and harassment based on a protected class should refer to the following:
- Prohibition of Discrimination or Harassment of Students on the Basis of Disability, Race, Color, or National Origin (AR)
- Employee Freedom from Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation (G/P)
Employees wishing to file a formal complaint regarding discrimination and harassment should consult:
- Employee Freedom from Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation (AR)
- Employee Freedom from Discrimination, Harassment, and Retaliation (G/P)
- Employee Relations (information regarding grievances)